With a blank weekend for league rugby coming up, the Yorkshire Cup organisers have nominated it for the first round of this season’s competition.

To the delight of both sets of fans, old rivals Wharfedale and Otley have been paired together, to play at the Avenue tomorrow, kick-off 7:30pm.

After last week’s heroics in beating league leaders Rosslyn Park, the Wharfedale selectors are taking advantage of the blank league weekend to rest some key players in the hope that when league hostilities resume next weekend at Macclesfield, more of the squad will be available to them.

At the same time they are giving some of their promising youngsters a taste of first team rugby, making room on the bench for Tom Whyte, Simon Crabtree, Jimmy Bullough and Josh Prell.

Seven of the team that started against Rosslyn Park are rested.

In the back division just Lloyd Davies, Matt Clark and Nick Taylor remain, the half backs James Gough and Luke Gray are unchanged, while in the pack, Adam Howard, Richard Rhodes and Richard Brown get another run out.

Otley are also expected to rest several of their regulars so that they can take a well-earned breather, but coach Tom Rock says he is looking forward to the game.

“There is usually a good crowd and a good atmosphere at Wharfedale and playing under lights should add to that.

“This is a good test for us and I hope we will take plenty of support with us,” he said.

Wharfedale:Lloyd Davies; James Druce, Joe Donkin, Matt Clark, Nick Taylor; Luke Gray, James Gough; Adam Mason, Ian Larkin, Adam Howard, Jim Mason, Richard Rhodes, James Tyson, Chris Howick, Richard Brown.

Replacements: Mark Tampin, Steve Graham, Joe Altham, Tom Whyte, Jimmy Bullough, Simon Crabtree, Josh Prell.